Deployment of next-generation broadband networks and services drives national and global economies, raising standards of living, boosting the Internet of Things, creating jobs and delivering major advances in education, healthcare, teleworking, e-commerce, public safety and security. As radios access technologies continue to evolve, mobile broadband access via small-cell, LTE and 5G has also become a vital part of ICT infrastructure, placing new demand on traditional radio frequency spectrum allocation. These broadband networks require greater densification and increased levels of backhaul infrastructure, yet the path for deployment is uneven across the country and dependent on state and local jurisdiction.

Through the following advocacy efforts, TIA Government Affairs works to close the digital divide and
support universal access to high-quality broadband for all Americans:

  • Ensuring that service providers are incentivized to deploy and upgrade broadband networks and
    allowing use of spectrum to support increased demand and enable new mobile broadband
    technologies
  • Advocating for funding and incentive policy that enables broadband deployment in underserved
    and unserved areas per the FCC’s definition of 25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload as a national
    minimum for broadband service, while preparing for future Gigabit service offerings of at least 1000
    Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload that have emerged as the new standard of excellence
  • Advocating for tax incentives, grants, targeted spending programs and bonds that fund broadband
    infrastructure deployment to address core needs, while ensuring a technology-neutral approach,
    access in community-anchor institutions and subsidies for displaced or remote workers
  • Streamlining federal, state and local processes to improve siting on state and federal lands,
    accelerate environmental review processes, provide best practices for state and local governments,
    limit cost recovery to reasonable amounts and address delays